Our Additional Programs

At MMS, we know life doesn't operate on school hours just as we know learning doesn't end at the end of the school day.

That's why we offer programs to support families and to give children opportunities to continue their learning before and after school.

We also support families in the Junior High as they look towards high school. At MMS, we're dedicated to supporting students and their families for the long haul.

Additional School Care (ASC)

Additional School Care (ASC) follows basic Montessori principles in terms of encouraging children to help and teach one another, to follow projects through to completion, to create their own activities, and to care for their environment.

With some restrictions, parents can choose to have their children participate in ASC through Full-year Package ASC, Reserved ASC, or Drop-in ASC. Check out the details below.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Details

Morning ASC:

Toddler: Registration took place during enrollment and is now closed.
Primary: Primary children who would like to attend ASC in the morning must sign up through the Full-Year Package ASC program.
Elementary: There is no charge or preregistration required. Students may be dropped off at the Primary Gate starting at 7:30. All students will go to the Hummingbird classroom until it is time to join their class.

Afternoon ASC:

Toddler: There is no afternoon ASC offered for Toddler.
Primary/Elementary: Reserved two weeks in advance and drop-in (please see drop-in instructions below).

Afternoon Drop-In Care Instructions:

Sign up by 2:00 pm for Primary and 2:15 for Elementary on the day the care is needed through the Extended Care tab of the Parent Portal.
Children who are registered by the deadlines will be accommodated for that day if at all possible.

Afternoon ASC Pick-Up Instructions:

All families will be required to enter campus through the Primary Gate, using the four digit pin code provided by the Office. Please call (415) 924-5388 for details. The Office closes by 4:00 pm on most days. If you need to contact ASC personnel after the office closes, please email Taz Pesso for Primary and Matt Stratton for Elementary.

Money Matters

For 2022-2023

Full-Year Package ASC

If you need daily childcare before school (Toddler and Primary) and/or after school until 6:00 p.m. (Primary and Elementary) for the entire school year, you will benefit from electing Full-Year Package ASC when you sign your Enrollment Agreement. The annual fee for Before School Care is $1,900 for Toddlers and Primary. There is no fee for Elementary. After School Care is $6,200 per student for both Primary and Elementary.

Reserved ASC

The Reserved ASC program allows families to reserve space at least two weeks in advance for the specific days and times that you need. The fee is $16 an hour. If a reservation is not canceled at least two weeks in advance or if a child no shows, there will be a $48 fee.

Note: Children who are registered in this way will be guaranteed space on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sign-Up for Reserved ASC:

Spaces in Reserved ASC must be reserved at least two weeks in advance through the Extended Care tab of the Parent Portal. If you do not sign up in the Parent Portal at least two weeks in advance, Drop-In ASC will be your only option.

Drop-In ASC

We are pleased to be able to offer a Drop-In option for the ASC program ($20 an hour in ½ hour increments) for those Primary and Elementary families who need occasional care. Same day sign ups must happen by 2:00 pm for Primary and 2:15 pm for Elementary. Space is limited.

Note: Drop-In for Morning ASC is not available for Toddler and Primary students. Primary children who would like to attend ASC in the morning must sign up through the Full-Year Package ASC program.

Cancellation Policy for Drop-In

To cancel a session, use the Parent Portal and click on the Extended Care tab.

You must cancel by 2:00 pm for Primary and 2:15 pm for Elementary or we'll have to charge a $60 cancellation fee. Please note that the Office and Registrar are unable to make cancellations after these deadline times. Please call Matt Stratton in ASC (415-924-5388, #6) for assistance.

Details about Primary ASC

The afternoon ASC program for Full-Day Primary children starts after school and ends at 6:00 pm in the Song Sparrow classroom. Our Primary ASC program echoes the Montessori day while allowing for different kinds of activities that families would typically do at home together after a long day at school. ASC is a play-based activity time. When children arrive, they will have the opportunity to enjoy and explore a wide variety of manipulative toys, crafts, games, books, musical instruments and outdoor play on the grassy area and play structure.

They also have the opportunity to enjoy healthy light snacks such as rice cakes, sun butter, apples and carrots.

In ASC, we continue to practice Montessori grace and courtesy skills. Our program builds the skills to help students respectfully interact with each other and our materials. When students are finished with an activity, they will put it away neatly so it is ready for the next person before moving on to a new activity. When finished snacking, students will wash their dishes before returning to play.

When parents arrive for pick up, please use the drop off area gate. You will use the parent code that allows access during the ASC hours and go directly to the Song Sparrow classroom to sign out and wait for your child. Please expect to wait a few minutes allowing time for your child to independently wrap up and put away their activity. We teach our students that ASC is closed for them, and it is time to promptly clean up when their grown ups arrive. Please note that the play structure is also closed for them supporting smooth departures.

Afternoon Primary ASC will be headed up by Taz Pesso who brings years of experience and boundless joy to this work.

Details about Elementary ASC

ASC is available for Elementary students before school from 7:30 a.m. to the start of class and after school from 3:15 – 6:00 p.m. For Morning ASC, Elementary students go to the Hummingbird classroom. Elementary students who need care prior to school may drop in on the morning that care is needed (there is no charge and no pre-registration is required).

The home base for the afternoon ASC program for Elementary children is also the Hummingbird classroom. The students are offered a variety of games, arts and crafts, cooking projects, and other activities (both indoor and out).
Snack will be prepared by the children and served around 4:00 each day.

Afternoon Elementary ASC will be headed up by Matt Stratton and supported by Samuel Ruff. Having completed his M.Ed. and AMI diploma, Matt will bring extensive Montessori experience into the program. We are excited to welcome Samuel to the MMS community, who will be assisting Matt and has already impressed us with his exuberance and compassion.

The Elementary ASC environment has been carefully prepared to become a joyful extension of the workday where elementary children from all four classrooms can come together to collaborate and connect with one another. Blending outdoor and indoor play, elementary ASC will be full of cooking, games, art, and science. It's a place where children can continue to build a practice society and further develop relationships across classrooms.

Bayside Afternoon Classes (BAC)

Each semester, we offer Bayside Afternoon Classes for Primary (4 years-old and older) and Elementary students.

Registration for Spring 2023 classes opens on Monday, March 6 at 6:00 pm. Be sure to register for each class separately.

How To Register

Log into your Parent Portal.
Go to the “Extended Care” tab.
In the “Participants” sub-tab, select your child's name for the correct BAC session and click "View Signups."
On the next page, make your BAC selection(s).

How to Opt Out or Cancel a BAC Session

Log into your Parent Portal.
Go to the “Extended Care” tab.
In the “Participants” sub-tab, select your child's name for the correct BAC session and click "View Signups."
On the next page in the Session Calendar, click on the day(s) you wish to cancel and select “Opt Out.”

Spring 2023 Options

Primary Soccer with Joey Heusler

For Primary children 4-6 years old

Tuesdays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
8 sessions: March 28, April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23
Class minimum/maximum: 4/12
Registration: $300

This lively after-school class will give your child the opportunity to learn soccer skills in a fun-loving, non-threatening environment. The main objectives of this class are to have fun, build confidence, and teach ball skills in a playful and child-oriented way. Games like "Catch the Coach," "Kick the Cone," and "Steal the Bacon" entice the children to kick and dribble the ball without getting too intimidated by the task. Cooperation and the joy of working with the ball and playing games with friends are always emphasized over the competition, and there is no winning or losing in this class!

Joey Heusler has been teaching and coaching children and youth in physical education and personal fitness for 20+ years. She led the Primary movement program at MMS and a physical education program for older Primary students for five years. Joey grew up playing soccer in Germany and has had a life-long passion and love for the sport. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Joey at joeyloveswhales@gmail.com.

Primary Red Tail Fox with Deans Keppel

For Primary children 4-6 years old

Tuesdays, 3:00 - 4:30 pm (Note the extended session time)
8 sessions: March 28, April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23
Class minimum/maximum: 4/6
Registration: $425

A red tail fox is intelligent and aware as he makes his way through the forest. As children adventure with Deans, they learn the lessons of the fox: to pay attention, to be surefooted and self-reliant, and to work and play harmoniously with others. In Red Tail Fox, we explore the marsh, hunt for crabs, learn about wildlife, make art from nature, play games, and listen to stories in our tree fort. Inspired by true stories about Native Americans, children will gain a greater understanding of their sacred place as caretakers of our beautiful Mother Earth. Children should wear sneakers, boots, and hats for the sun. No scented sunscreen, please.

Deans "Bright Eyes" Keppel is an artist, storyteller, and naturalist. Her mission is to inspire children to love the earth and care about each other. She has a Master's Degree in Fine Arts and was designated a Master Teacher by the Bay Area Discovery Museum. She has received numerous grants from the Marin Arts Council to work in public schools, and she has been teaching at MCDS since 2005 and at Marin Montessori since 1991.

Art in the Garden with Shellie Occhipinti

For Primary children 4-6 years old

Wednesdays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
8 sessions: March 29, April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24
Class minimum/maximum: 4/12
Registration: $300
Materials fee: $20

Celebrate Springtime in the Garden.

Come join Shellie in the garden to joyfully create imaginative artwork honoring spring. Classes will use a variety of art mediums, including but not limited to: watercolor, clay, recycled materials and objects from nature. Snacks will be provided each week in our beautiful garden setting.

For over 20 years, Shellie has taught a variety of after-school programs for the Boys and Girls Club of America. She has been with Marin Montessori School for the past four years, working in a variety of positions including Elementary ASC and Summer Camp. Currently, Shellie is the Primary Garden Teacher and loves working with children of all ages. If you have class questions, please contact Shellie at socchipinti@marinmontessori.org.

Primary Spanish with Paula Reyes

For Primary children 4-6 years old

Thursdays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
8 sessions: March 30, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25
Class minimum/maximum: 4/12
Registration: $300

Our after-school Spanish language program is designed to enrich our Spanish culture curriculum as well as boost a student's Spanish-speaking skills. The program’s structure involves a brief story, song, or lesson, followed by level-appropriate games, performances, and crafts. We will be covering everything from Latin America to Spain in the world of food, music, dance, and art. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide an engaging and fun extension of your child's Spanish curriculum through creative exploration of culture and language.

In addition to several years of experience teaching Spanish in Montessori classrooms, Paula has taught literature, creative writing, and media studies to high school students in Malaysia at Taylor's College in Kuala Lumpur. Her career also includes time running experiential, outdoor education programs in Canada. Paula earned her Bachelor's degree in education from Trent University, Peterborough, Canada. She earned her Master's degree in education from York University, Ontario, Canada. Paula is also trained as an Orton-Gillingham reading instructor. If you have class questions, please contact Paula at preyes@marinmontessori.org.

Eating Around the World with Nimisha Gandhi

For Elementary Students (1st-6th Year)

Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00 pm (Note the extended session time)
8 sessions: March 28, April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23
Class minimum/maximum: 4/12
Registration: $300
Materials fee: $20

Our hands-on cooking class will enable students to find their inner chef. Each week, we will explore a different country through food and story-telling. Using fresh farm fresh produce and interactive cooking techniques, the students will prepare meals from scratch each week as they learn kitchen and food safety, professional kitchen etiquette, measuring ratios, and prep skills. In addition to a wide variety of tactile recipes, kids will participate in additional educational activities such as learning about mindfulness, gut microbiome, and eco-agriculture. Recipes will be emailed to parents weekly. Picky eaters are welcome!

*Nimisha can accommodate most food allergies and sensitivities, but please reach out to her directly to discuss your child’s needs.

**Please bring your own containers to bring any leftovers home.

Countries we will explore: Mexico, Venezuela, Spain, Iran, Tunisia, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia

Nimisha Gandhi is a functional and Ayurvedic nutritionist and meditation teacher who runs her own private practice, Moon Cycle Nutrition. She works with individuals, pediatricians, and midwives, and teaches weekly educational classes to various companies. Nimisha has developed and taught online nutrition courses and has taught garden, cooking, and nutrition classes for Mission High School and other local public schools. She most recently taught a week-long nutrition/cooking camp for Head Over Heels Athletic Arts to ages 6-16-year-old girls who are training for the Olympics. Nimisha is also a board member of Conscious Kitchen, which addresses food equity, education, and access by shifting the paradigm around school food service. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Nimisha at nimisha@clubdinein.com.

Soccer with Kelly Coffey

For Elementary Children (1st-6th Year)

Wednesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
8 sessions: March 29, April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24
Class minimum/maximum: 6/16
Registration: $100

Come join Coach Kelly for soccer skills training that will be challenging, cooperative, competitive, and fun! This class is designed to build the technical skill and ability of each child while at the same time fostering joy and love for the game! The emphasis in the class will be creating an environment of FUN and INCLUSION while playing a range of cooperative and competitive games to improve each child’s soccer IQ and awareness.

Kelly Coffey has been coaching and teaching children for over 20 years. He has coached soccer at the youth level with Marin FC and is currently the College Director for the girls' program. He has coached with the California State and Western Region Olympic Development Program. In addition, Kelly has coached at the Junior College and NCAA Division I and II levels and currently coaches the women’s team at Dominican University. Kelly holds a United States Soccer Federation “A” License as well as a United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma. Kelly holds a BA in Psychology, an MS in Sports Management from the University of San Francisco, and an MS in Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential from Dominican University. If you have any questions regarding the class you can reach Kelly at kellcoffey@gmail.com.

Ultimate Frisbee with Maggie Ruden

For Elementary Children (1st-6th Year)

Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
8 sessions: March 30, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25
Class minimum/maximum: 6/16
Registration: $300

This after-school ultimate frisbee class is open to upper and Lower Elementary students of all experience levels. In this fun environment focused on mutual respect, students will learn how to play ultimate frisbee and practice skills such as throwing, catching, changing direction, and defensive footwork. Each weekly session will include, (1) Warm-up, (2) Rule of the day, (3) Skill of the day, (4) Drill or game focused on the skill of the day, and (5) Scrimmaging! As a coach, Maggie is excited to create a space of growth, learning, positivity, and healthy competition. Students should wear clothes they are comfortable moving around in. Sneakers or cleats will work in terms of footwear. Snacks are not provided, but feel free to send something along with your student.

Maggie Ruden is a former MMS employee (Elementary ASC), and is excited to be back for this class! She is a world champion and national champion ultimate frisbee player and has over a decade of experience in youth ultimate coaching. If you have any questions about the class, you can reach Maggie via email: maggieruden@gmail.com.

Lower Elementary Spanish with Paula Reyes

For Lower Elementary Students (1st-3rd Year)

Wednesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
8 sessions: March 29, April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24
Class minimum/maximum: 4/20
Registration: $300

In addition to several years of experience teaching Spanish in Montessori classrooms, Paula has taught literature, creative writing, and media studies to high school students in Malaysia at Taylor's College in Kuala Lumpur. Her career also includes time running experiential, outdoor education programs in Canada. Paula earned her Bachelor's degree in education from Trent University, Peterborough, Canada. She earned her Master's degree in education from York University, Ontario, Canada. Paula is also trained as an Orton-Gillingham reading instructor. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Paula at preyes@marinmontessori.org.